This is such a peaceful tranquil area, a beautiful quiet peaceful place where you will see people…read morefish in the reservoir, trails and rock pools. There are beautiful lush trees, fields and the larger Threipmuir reservoir nearby overlooking the black hills! This is also a great place for dog walkers on a lovely sunny day!

Harlaw reservoir is located within the Pentlands Hills Regional Park…read more Ample parking on site and free to the public. Very peaceful and serene, there is also another reservoir nearby and the trail walk takes just under one hour. Also has great views of the mountains and depending where you are, the forth bridge against the sky. It's also only about 30 minutes from the city centre but feels like you're somewhere else, a new favorite place for a relaxing Sunday morning walk.

My tour with John and Dave of Arbroath Angling was one of the highlights of my trip to Scotland. My…read moregroup of 3 Yankee tourists chartered a fishing tour on their boat, the Ardent, and came back with a fish tale that is almost unbelievable. Fortunately, we have photo and video proof of our incredible success. John taught us newbies how to use the rods and bait the hooks, and we were soon catching cod as though we had been fishing all our lives. At one point, we were barely able to drop our lines in the water before having to reel in the fish. John and Dave were so busy helping us unhook our fish that they barely had the chance to do any fishing themselves. Halfway through our tour, we had caught so much cod (as well as a few coley and a small mackerel), that we decided to turn around and do a bit of sightseeing along the coast. I highly recommend this charter company, as our group would have enjoyed our excursion even had we not managed to catch anything.

Perhaps the Piers is by no means special. You most probably won't go out of your way to see it. Of…read morecourse, if you do happen to stumble across this area, a pleasant walk by the river shalln't go a miss. But for me, I hold some precious memories of the Piers, so it'll always have a special place in my heart. We often found some interesting things here and one visit even lead to an inspired song-writing session with my band. Now, we always sing of The Piers! The Piers resides by Corton Vale prison and alongside the River Forth. If you follow the trails, you encounter some great views and brilliant photo opportunities. It's usually very quiet and perfect for some off-road cycling or some writing or some reflecting outdoors. At the start of the Piers trail, there's a nesting place for those who frequent the area for fishing. We enjoyed watching this transform over time, and now it's a fully-fledged den with a tin rooftop. Kudos to whoever built that thing! There also used to be a little hut at the top of some stairs near the fishing area, but this was burnt down. Thus, sending our imaginations into overdrive! In fact, every time we visit the Piers, there's something to see, even if it's just the water and its ever-varying levels. It's a beautiful place to walk and discover. So, in short, of course, it's a river and some land. But for me, it was mystery; a place to go full of gin at midnight, with a guitar and accompanying voices; a place to have morning tea, cups in hands; a place to be. If all you have is a walk, then I'm sure it'll be a good one.

Hogganfield Loch is situated on the outskirts of Stepps…read more There is a parking area at the entrance for those arriving by foot, with a food van resident in the car park when looking for refreshments or ice creams on hot Summer days. There are two little play park areas to keep little ones interested, and plenty of wildlife to take in. The swans, geese and ducks all congregate on the car park side of the Loch (along with pigeons and seagulls!!) hungry for food from passers by. It can be a bit like a scene from the birds, however, with this hungry gang of birds all vying for the crumbs of bread and scraps. So, I tend to find a quieter spot on the Loch, away from the car park if we want to feed the birds - much more civilised! ;) There is a path all the way round the Loch for walkers, runners, cyclists... The whole Loch takes maybe 20-30 minutes to get round, depending on your walking speed and size of walking companions (longer with 2-3 year olds!) Hogganfield Loch is a nice wee spot if looking for a relatively quick, but refreshing, walk not too far from the city centre!

Very nice park surrounding the loch. It is a shallow loch with a small island in the middle. There…read moreis a path around the loch that you could probably walk round in 30-40 minutes. There is a lot of birds, mainly swans and ducks that people feed. Dog walkers, joggers, cyclists use the park too. In summer there is sometimes boats you can hire.

I love this place so much! Whenever the sun decides to make a rare appearance I'm in the car and on…read moremy way for a lazy walk around the loch. The loch itself is huge. It has a fab path all the way around for an easy walk in the sun or there are plenty of little paths into the woods surrounding if you're feeling a little more adventurous. With loads of green space on all sides, even on the busiest days this park, Drumpelier can accommodate every need. Whether that be a picnic, a five-a-side game or even fishing, you won't feel anything but relaxed here. If you haven't packed a lunch there's a little cafe in the main building which unfortunately I've never tried. I just love a picnic!!! It also has a great play park at the far end of the car park, suitable for all ages. This area can get a touch busy on the sunnier days but I've never been and felt like we've waited long for my little one to have a go on the swings or in the sandpit. It's really dog friendly here too. I've found myself losing an afternoon on a trip with my hair baby just chatting to other dog owners on the way round. If you're finding yourself looking for somewhere to while away a sunny day then get in the car and head here. Don't forget the picnic basket!

Gorgeous country park with several large lakes, lots of walking paths and two large playgrounds…read more Picnic tables and a cafe on site but lots of open space to throw down a blanket and enjoy your own food, too. There are paddle boats in the summer months and lots of swans, geese, ducks and other water foul.

I only did a small portion of the 22 mile long walk, but the section I waked was lovely, and a nice…read moregreen corridor within a bustling city. I started at Dean Village, and walked through Dean Garden to the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. It was a nice alternative to walking the city streets or taking transport to the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, which was my destination. It took me just about an hour at an easy stroll with brief stops to take a few pictures. I sent a few of those pictures to some girlfriends and their comments were, "It's like you're in a storybook" and "Gorgeous, that can't be real." Take a look at the pictures and see if you agree. Or better yet, take a walk and see for yourself!

The Water of Leith is my happy place…read more Anytime I'm having an off day, it's a perfect little refuge just steps from my door for a wander and a think. The fact that you can traverse most of the city via its paths? Well sheesh, like I needed another reason to love Edinburgh...